How to escape from Voicemail Hell

So, my father-in-law calls United to confirm a resevation. The automated Voice asks for the confirmation number. He says it (it was something like) “JRH63D.” The Voice replies, “you said ‘HGD4SW,’ is that correct?” “No.” He repeats the number several times and the voice recognition software keeps screwing it up. Finally, in anger, he screams “Go fuck yourself.” The Voice says, “We will put you through to an operator now.”